Light Up Night kicks off holiday season

The good boys and girls of Somerset County had their Christmas wish lists ready to go Saturday when Santa Claus made his way into uptown Somerset for Community Light Up Night.

The pre-Christmas tradition — initiated by the Somerset Soroptimist Club and members of other local service organizations — has been going strong for more than 25 years.

Mason Berkey, 5, of Friedens was among those patiently waiting in line for Santa. He said he wanted to ask Santa for a model train set.

Mason's mother, Missy Berkey, said she's been visiting Light Up Night for years.

"We have a lot of fun every year," she said. "It's a great opportunity to see friends, and of course Mason wanted to see Santa."

Stephanie Williams, executive director of Somerset Inc., said the event serves as a homecoming for many of her friends and family. This year's long list of events gave people all the more reason to attend, she said.

Saturday's festivities kicked off with chainsaw carving at noon on the corner of the Somerset Diamond.

The events continued with S'more making at Crazy Alice's Cafe; a live nativity at Somerset Anglican Fellowship; crafts and story telling at Career Link; and a children's holiday movie matinee at Mosholder Community Room, to name a few.

Megan, 5, and Malorie, 2, Barron made cards at the American Legion Post 181 to send to the troops overseas.

The event was sponsored by the Legion Ladies Auxiliary & Military Support Group.

For Steve and Amanda Peck, it was their first time attending Light Up Night. They brought their children Ella and Jared, who were both excited to see Santa and the live nativity scene.

"It's usually a little too cold for us," Steve Peck said. "But the weather is great and the kids are having a lot of fun."

Event Chairwoman Patty Gross said her affinity for Light Up Night began with cookies and hot chocolate.

"But the best part is that Light Up Night brings the entire community together," she said.

Community Light Up Night was sponsored by Kiwanis Club of Somerset, Lion's Club of Somerset, Lowe's of Somerset. Rotary Club of Somerset, Somerset Drug, Somerset Exchange Club, Somerset Hospital, Somerset, Inc., Somerset Jaycees and Soroptomist Club of Somerset.